GI YMCA Opens Y Studio for Group Fitness Options

By: Megan Johnson - Email

Updated: Thu 9:35 PM, Apr 05, 2012

The Grand Island YMCA is doing more to bring health and well being to all parts of the city by opening a new group fitness center.

The GI YMCA says it was their members using their satellite branch - the Y Express - in northern GI that inspired the creation of their new Y Studio.

"They felt like the group aspect was missing on this side of town," says Senior Program Director Cara Lemburg. "For the wellness to come full circle we needed to be able to be out here to offer not only the individual exercise, but also the options for group."

Health and Well Being Manager Denise Kingery says with a variety of classes being offered throughout the day there's something for everyone looking to get fit.

"We have a brand new class called Ready Set Go for those that are just new into the group fitness world and just wanting to know how that group fitness class would work," says Kingery.

But hitting the gym isn't always easy, and officials say group workouts offer more than just exercise, they also create support.

"You develop those friends, it helps with accountability, and just helps in general," says Lemburg. "You feel like you belong, like you're part of a family, part of a community."

And they say branching their services outside of their main building is a win for everyone.

"Time is limited for everybody, so when we can take out services to where the majority of people are that's all the better for us," says Kingery. "It'll help us attract new members that will come see us, plus help to increase the satisfaction of our current members by making us more available."

Classes at the Y Studio are free with a basic GI YMCA membership, and officials say they do have scholarship programs available to help people who might not be able to afford a membership.

The GI YMCA still offers group fitness classes at their South Front Street location downtown. If you're not a member of the GI YMCA you can still try classes at the Y Studio for free through April 14.

For more information and group fitness schedules, click on the link below.